Project-based learning as an innovative approach for overcoming tertiary EFL students' barriers to learning English and coming closer to their L2 ideal self

Purpose This study aims to investigate the potential effect of project-based learning (PBL) in alleviating the negative psychological factors that hinder language learning in an intensive-English course at a private Lebanese university through its meaningful, student-centered, collaborative, and creative pedagogical approach and supporting students in constructing a positive self-identity as an English language learner and user. Design/methodology/approach The L2 Motivation Self System theory describes the roles of the Ideal L2 Self, the Ought to L2 Self, and the L2 Learning Experience as the three dimensions that trigger L2 motivation, which is an important factor in achieving L2 learning outcomes. This pre- and post-test questionnaire study aims to investigate the impact of designing and implementing project-based learning as a creative pedagogical method on the L2 Learning Experience of tertiary EFL students undertaking an intensive English language course. Findings The paper found that such a pedagogical approach decreased students’ foreign language anxiety and positively impacted their attitudes toward L2 learning as they actively engaged in their projects in a meaningful, connected, and creative manner. This paper concludes that the adopted innovative pedagogical approach created an L2 language learning experience for EFL students to move closer from their actual self to their potential or imagined Ideal L2 Self as they embraced their creative self, social self, and risk-taking self within the frame of identity negotiation and construction. Findings from this study map to the wider literature on L2 language acquisition and foreign language learning. Research limitations/implications This study has theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, this research contributed to the existing body of literature on L2 education from a nuanced lens that maps students’ motivation, engagement, characteristics, and psychology to their identity as L2 learners to make their learning journeys more rewarding, productive, and connected. Practical implications Practically, this study showcases how the implementation of the PBL approach in a creative and aligned manner can positively impact students’ attitudes toward English teaching and learning, making novel reading a more engaging task that prompts students’ creativity, critical thinking, and risk-taking while facilitating the negotiation and construction of their identity as L2 learners and users. Additionally, the implementation of such creative pedagogical approaches prompts on an educational policy level the shift from the traditional ways of English teaching and learning to a more student-centered, engaging and connected state, creating a set of exemplars for EFL and ESL instructors to use to ensure that L2 learners connect to their own experiences and develop a range of transferrable skills while acquiring language capabilities. Originality/value This paper concludes that the adopted innovative pedagogical approach served as a channel for EFL students to move closer from their actual self to their potential or imagined Ideal L2 Self as they embraced their creative self, social self, and risk-taking self within the frame of identity negotiation and construction. Findings from this study map to the wider literature on L2 language acquisition and foreign language learning.